Category: trusting God

Walking on Water Again?

Numbers  29-30

Psalm 22           

Mark 6

– Devotion by Tom Siderius (MI)

Mark 6:45-52 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and head across the lake to Bethsaida, while he sent the people home. 46 After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray.
47 Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. 48 He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. 50 They were all terrified when they saw him.
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” 51 Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed, 52 for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in.

Mark! What’s the deal with saying our hearts were too hard???  Why would God have you write that in your gospel??

The official line about the gospel of Mark is that Peter and other original apostles are the source of the material he writes from.  They tell him what happened and then he writes it down. We need to ask ourselves so many times when reading these records about what was Jesus trying to teach his apostles and disciples?  Then what is the lesson for us in the recalling of them? 

The trip on the sea of Galilee that includes another walk on the water by Jesus comes after feeding 5000 men plus women and children (maybe 15-20K people).  He uses such the small amount of food to start with.  So many questions come to my feeble mind.  How did Jesus ever break up that much bread or fish?  How did God multiply the food to fill baskets full?  Where did the baskets come from?  Who ate the leftovers and for how long?  So many questions on these records.

What was the apostle’s reactions to helping to break and hand out the food to that many people?  Jesus says “you feed them” to the apostles.  Which is exactly what they proceed to do.  What should they and we learn from the experience besides astonishment at the event? 

I believe that the lesson for us and those disciples there is that God is the source of all blessing and sufficiency.  God alone is the giver of all that is good and fruitful, the only source of true food and health for all the people of the world.  Our very food we eat is only because of the grace and mercy of God to give it to us.  Jesus looks to God and then blesses this small amount of food, making it sufficient to do the humanly impossible.  What great power of God is at work in Jesus’ life and is still available to us today. 

Christians must bring their lives to God in an attitude of obedience and sacrifice. When we do this, we need to expect God to do far beyond what can be imagined.   We should trust that God not only wants to meet our needs, but that He wants to give to us with overflowing spiritual blessings.

Are our hearts too hard to believe our God’s promises?  “Hardened” here is to be “petrified” or maybe should mean “calloused”.  Our habits of life that don’t believe the promises of God cause our hearts by repetition to become calloused to the truth.  We develop a lifetime set of beliefs that doesn’t believe that God can do anything very miraculous.  We start to believe miracles and all that Jesus stuff died out with the apostles and isn’t that important today. 

We say we have faith but prove that we don’t by our actions and speech.  “You feed them” is what Jesus tells us to do, but we say, “OK we will, but here’s our few loaves and fishes.  Don’t blame me when it really doesn’t work out. I’ll do it but I don’t really believe that it will work with my resources.”  When we pray for someone to be delivered or healed are we really standing in our confidence of God’s help or do we just go through the motions?

I know that one of my lazy habits is to excuse my prayers by telling God that I will pray for people, but because I really don’t know what to pray for, I will just put them up before God and then go on with my life.  Ever been confronted with a specific situation that is right there in front of you with no apparent answers to it?  How did you react?  Our first habit needs to become the truth of God’s Word for us, not the calloused habit of our hearts to give Him our excuses.

So, I thought we were going to look at the walking on the water event.  More questions come to mind.  Why does Jesus send them off across the lake without him and just go pray by himself?  What happens that changes their hearts so much from this experience of the waves and wind?  Here they are again in a situation that faces them head on and close in.  No amount of rowing or sail handling will get them out of it.  Remember that they were experienced fisherman with a great deal of boat handling and weather experience.  “Jesus don’t worry about us we have it handled, have some confidence we are the experts”.  But once again we and they don’t really have it.  For the apostles it is that if God can feed the five thousand then He does have the answers for every situation. 

What is the lesson of the waves?  Once again that God has our care in place, and we need to put our trust in His promises.  Jesus says he will ever be with us to the end of the earth.  This is his church and he is building it and taking care of it.  We are not really in charge of what we think we are.  We are confident every minute until the wind and waves are overwhelming.  How many times God saves us from disaster and even death. 

Ephesians 3:20(NLT) Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

Psalms 22:22-24(NLT) I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters.
I will praise you among your assembled people.
23 Praise the LORD, all you who fear him!
Honor him, all you descendants of Jacob!
Show him reverence, all you descendants of Israel!
24 For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy.
He has not turned his back on them,
but has listened to their cries for help.

Questions:

See bold questions above

Prayer:

Father God, come to us with your promises and give us the heart that hears them and will believe You.  Thank you for the records of Your Word to give us confidence to do Your will.  Help us to see the Christ-in -us that will give us strength to act and speak.  Thank you that Your will is still to feed and save people from destruction.  Be with us this day as we hear you with our hearts.  In Jesus’ name we pray.

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Hear, O Lord

Numbers 9-10

Psalm 17

Mark 1

-Devotion by Andy Cisneros (SC)

There is so much uncertainty in life. So many things to handle. It can make your heart race. That’s why we need to find our refuge in God. In Psalm 17, David begins by asking God to hear his cries. He has also confirmed that what he is asking for is right. He says, “Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea; listen to my cry” (Psalm 17:1). This teaches us to move towards God’s presence and guidance in confidence. He is our ultimate protector and source of peace. How can we know that what we are asking for is right, and that He will listen? I think David answers these questions all through Psalm 17. Let’s take some time in the next couple days to see what David says to do to find refuge in God.

1.Have Faith that God Knows What He is Doing

David recognizes God’s justice, trusting that God will judge rightly. “Let my vindication come from Your presence; may Your eyes see what is right”-Psalm 17:2. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s righteous judgment instead of seeking revenge or justice on our own. God sees all and will act justly in His time.

2. Show Your Heart to God

Sometimes we hide from God. Nothing is secret from Him. David speaks of his commitment to living a life of integrity, saying, “You have tested my heart; You have visited me in the night”-Psalm 17:3. This is a call for us to pursue a blameless life, striving to align our actions with God’s will. When we do this, we are an open book to what God wants to do in our life.

3. Watch and Listen to What You Say

David highlights the importance of guarding our speech: “I have resolved that my mouth will not sin”-Psalm 17:3. This lesson is a reminder to be mindful of our words, ensuring they are edifying and truthful in all areas of our lives. Sometimes we are so hard on others. Sometimes we are mean to ourselves. Our speech should reflect the love and truth of Christ, building others and ourselves up rather than tearing down.

4. Guard Your Paths

Have you expressed your commitment to following God’s ways: “My steps have held to Your paths; my feet have not slipped”-Psalm 17:5. This encourages us to walk confidently in God’s paths. Always relying on His Word and Spirit as our guide. By doing so, we can navigate life’s challenges with confidence and assurance.

5. Confidently Ask

David’s relationship with God is marked by confidence in prayer: “I call on You, O God, for You will answer me”-Psalm 17:6. This verse shows us how to approach God with boldness, knowing that He hears and answers our prayers. Our confidence in prayer is rooted in our faith in His promises and His unfailing love. Do you have confidence in God? Do you come to Him in right standing? In humble obedience?

Tomorrow we will continue in Psalms 17 

Reflection Questions

  1. Is God your refuge? If so, what do you already do to find refuge in God? If not, do you want Him to be your refuge?
  2. Which of these steps speaks loudest to you as something you need to do more and more?
  3. Do you have confidence in God? Do you come to Him in right standing? In humble obedience?

Prayer

This morning let’s pray that you can RELAX, knowing that God wants you to succeed. That He loves you. Father, please give us a quiet confidence to be able to rest in the knowledge that you are a good God. My prayer is that our hearts are open to you. That you see us and we see you. Amen

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Never Alone

Leviticus 24-25

Psalm 13

Matthew 26

–Devotion by Emilee Christian (MO)

I love the Psalms, especially those by David. David didn’t shy away from sharing his conflicting emotions with the Creator. Psalms 13, while short, is an excellent example. He begins the Psalms questioning God, feeling abandoned by Him. David pleads with the LORD for deliverance. Yet, David ends with a submission of praise. Personally, I don’t think anything happened to change David’s circumstances in between verses 4 and 5. Rather, I think David resolved himself to continue to trust in God’s unfailing word, even when he could not see its immediate fulfillment. The sort of dedication David has towards the LORD at the end of this Psalm very much reminds me of Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane.

Jesus, like David, knows what it feels like to be alone. We see this in our reading from Matthew 26. Jesus understands how it feels to feel forsaken or forgotten by God. Jesus knows anguish, a sorrow that rests heavy in one’s heart. The words of David in Psalms 13 echo the story of Jesus’ crucifixion. Jesus’ accusers had the upper hand as they beat him, gloating and rejoicing in his suffering. Knowing all he was about to endure, Jesus still submitted to God’s plan. He went away with his accusers willingly. His submission was an act of praise and worship, just as David’s words are in the conclusion of Psalms 13. 

We will face struggles in our life as well. Though many of us will not be facing death by crucifixion or a life on the run from an angry king, we will face trials that leave us feeling desolate and hopeless. It is then we can take refuge in knowing our Savior, our High Priest, has felt the same. 

There is strength in numbers. Even the most introverted value and thrive upon community. It’s how our Creator designed us. When our soul feels crushed, we can run to the Savior who understands us. May we not forget that we have a powerful best friend in our corner. Jesus knows pain. Jesus knows loss. We are not alone. 

Reflection Questions:

  1. Why do you think there is so much detail about Christ’s suffering? Is it simply for the fulfillment of scripture or do you think there could be another purpose for the narrative?
  2. What does the knowledge of having a savior who can personally relate to your pain mean for you? If you are currently going through a trial, how does the knowledge your Savior can relate affect you? 
  3. How can you rededicate yourself to God during your own trials?

PRAYER:

Dear LORD,

Thank you for your Word. Thank you for reminding us that we are not alone. Thank you for giving us a Jesus who knows what it is to cry tears of anguish late into the night. Even when things feel hopeless, may I turn to You. Strengthen my resolve to do Your will. It’s in Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. 

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Believe, Trust, Surrender

Leviticus 20-22

Psalms 12 

Matthew 26 

Devotion by Maria Knowlton (IN)

Ever see one of those warning sign where you have to wonder? What happened here that made this sign necessary. I kind of felt this way reading Leviticus 20-22…some of the laws made sense as God was establishing the Mosaic law. Especially the opening of the chapter talking about child sacrifices. 

Some of it I’m a little unclear on. Previously, you could marry your step sister (Abraham and Sarah) and other family members. But God was putting an end to that. And then some of the laws, were just for specific people and some of those I don’t understand at all. Why did you have to be physically perfect in order to be a priest who could enter the temple? I don’t get that one… but I trust God has His reasons I may not understand before the coming kingdom. 

As independent adults, we often question the things we’re told to do and want to know why so we can decide if we really want to do it. 

But throughout the Bible, God gives us laws and tells us to do/not do things that we don’t understand. We don’t feel like it’s right. 

However, that is the difference between believing in God and Christ and truly surrendering to them as the ones who control your life. You may not alway understand why God is telling you to do something, but total submission means you follow God’s word no matter what. It’s a matter of trust. Trust is hard, but vital to our relationship with God. 

Speaking of total submission, we go to Matthew 26 where Jesus is fully aware of what is going to happen but continues on as he trusts in God’s overarching plan for humanity as mentioned in Psalms 12. God knows what he’s doing with humanity, we just have to trust Him. 

Reflection Questions:

  1. Are you bothered by the times you don’t understand God, His law or plans? Why or why not?
  2. What could be helpful advice for someone who is questioning God?
  3. Have you found God to be trustworthy? How can you build your trust in Him?
  4. Did Jesus have the mind of God? What can we learn from Jesus’ example when it might seem like we don’t want the same things God does?

PRAYER:

Father God, I praise You because You are wise, all-knowing, all-powerful and completely trustworthy, and I am not. Thank You for Your love and for being a Good God. Open my eyes to see Your goodness in all You do, and all You ask me to do. Thank You for the incredible gift of Your Son. In all ways big and small may I echo his words and heart of surrender: “Not my will but Yours be done.”

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My Shield is with God

Exodus 37-38

Psalm 7

Matthew 21

Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end,
    and may you establish the righteous—
you who test the minds and hearts,
    O righteous God!
10 My shield is with God,
    who saves the upright in heart. Psalm 7:9-10 ESV

Devotion by Jennifer Hall (IN)

David was known as a man after God’s own heart. David was also called by God into a position of leadership and service, in turn ending up with enemies, persecuted, misunderstood, and alone at times. If anyone knew enemies, David did. If anyone trusted God to deal with his enemies, David did. Sparing Saul’s life when Saul was trying to kill him, restraining retaliation even when provoked at times, and seeking God’s guidance in his actions and responses were all ways David demonstrated that trust.

When I read Psalm 7, I read it from my paradigm thousands of years after David wrote these words. Yet, I notice how much these words still ring loud and clear today. Sometimes it is hard to read about atrocities and not invest more energy devising how to destroy or define enemies than it is to invest in turning to God as our shield and righteous judge. There are undoubtedly huge atrocities going on around us globally, nationally, and locally. There are also hurts, mistakes, and sins going on in our families, churches, and personal relationships. We hear of the bad stuff and bad guys all day every day, because this is what the media and water coolers feed us, and perhaps what we keep ordering. David certainly was not immune to cruelty and unfairness, but Psalm 7 indicates he knew well that God was a righteous judge, that He tests the minds and hearts, and that He is worthy of our reliance and gratitude.

In a world of enemies, deception, artificial intelligence schemes, social media agendas, toxins, and distractions pulling us away from God, we have the choice to be of the world or of the kingdom. We can be a pot-stirrer and well-poisoner, or we can trust that those who dig a pit will eventually fall (verse 15), that God’s shield is for those who repent (verses 3 and 12),  that God knows intents of the hearts and minds that we may not (verse 9), and that He is a righteous judge.  While the world rages on with its deceptions, brutalities, and evil agendas until the return of Jesus and the establishment of his kingdom on earth, as Christians we can look and sound different, setting our attentions higher, and echoing Psalm 7:17, 

“I will give to the LORD the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the LORD, the Most High.”

Reflection Questions:

How do David’s words speak to you today?

What can you thank the LORD for as righteous judge and loving father today?

Knowing God is our shield, even against wicked enemies, what can we turn over to Him today?

Prayer:

Our Dear Heavenly Father and Shield, I praise You for Your goodness and love, and also for your righteous judgments. You know all, You see all, You discern all. You are truth and light and You are the victor. When You look into my mind and my heart, God, I want to be pleasing to You. I confess the times my own words, thoughts, attitudes and actions have been less than righteous in Your sight. Please forgive me, too, for the times I have been more focused on the evil or the enemy around me instead of on You. Help me to trust You more and more, knowing I can work and rest secure behind Your shield when I am doing what You want me to do. I pray for Your wisdom and discernment to know what is truly my enemy and Yours, and what is not. Thank you for the gift of Your Son that You gave to a wicked world to show us the way to You. Help me follow him well so I will be ready when he returns to set up Your perfect Kingdom.

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You Feed Them

Exodus 11-12

Proverbs 31

Matthew 14

Devotion by Tom Siderius (MI)

Matthew 14:13-16(NLT) As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. 14 Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
15 That evening the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.”
16 But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.”

As we read in Matthew 14 today, we find the “feeding of the five thousand”, a famous story of Jesus doing a notable miracle.  But what is the real lesson and reason for doing this miracle?  The disciples are very logical and show common sense.  “Send the people away to the local Kroger or Aldi and let them buy their own supper while the shops are still open”.  For most people their bread would be the staple of their diet, and where most of their calories would come from.  As we read the Word, we see the emphasis on bread  as sustenance for us repeatedly. 

Try to be one of the disciples in this situation. Five thousand with nothing to eat and Jesus just says Hey you feed them!!  No prob Jesus we’ll get right on that, lets see.  Hey Matthew what’s in the lunch pail you brought?  Hello John how about those granola bars you have in your pockets?  Hey, Peter and Andrew, how about those sandwiches your Mom made for lunch for us? 

Sorry, Jesus, only 5 loaves and a couple of salt fish, not going to get it done, lets go with our plan.

Matthew 14:18-21(NLT) “Bring them here,” he said. 19 Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people. 20 They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. 21 About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children!

Wow what a miracle and how about those leftovers they’ll be eating for days!!  Actually, Jesus is using this as a teachable moment for all his disciples both then and now.  It is not about the miracle but rather that we would trust God for our sufficiency and nourishment, not our own ability to take care of every situation we find ourselves in.  If you examine your life, you will see the hand of God feeding you all through it.  Only by His grace and mercy does the rain fall on the just and also the unjust.  

What did it take to bring the bread to your table today?

Why are we always so hungry?

John 6:29-40(NLT) Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” 30 They answered, “Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do? 31 After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness! The Scriptures say, ‘Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”
32 Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. 33 The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
34 “Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.”
35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But you haven’t believed in me even though you have seen me. 37 However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them. 38 For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. 39 And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day. 40 For it is my Father’s will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day.”

What is the bread of life we all desire to have?

How can we give it to others?

True believing in our Father and God and the Son He has sent is the only good work that we can do.  Nothing else we can do has real value except to believe and act on that belief walking day by day with our Father and our brother Jesus Christ.  Beware of the temptations and the sin of religion in this world and see that our help and sufficiency for our lives can only come from the God that loves us and has called us to Him. 

Mark 8:14-21(NLT) But the disciples had forgotten to bring any food. They had only one loaf of bread with them in the boat. 15 As they were crossing the lake, Jesus warned them, “Watch out! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod.” 16 At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn’t brought any bread. 17 Jesus knew what they were saying, so he said, “Why are you arguing about having no bread? Don’t you know or understand even yet? Are your hearts too hard to take it in? 18 ‘You have eyes—can’t you see? You have ears—can’t you hear?’ Don’t you remember anything at all? 19 When I fed the 5,000 with five loaves of bread, how many baskets of leftovers did you pick up afterward?”
“Twelve,” they said.
20 “And when I fed the 4,000 with seven loaves, how many large baskets of leftovers did you pick up?”
“Seven,” they said.
21 “Don’t you understand yet?” he asked them.

You feed them!!

Reflection Questions:

See questions in bold above

Prayer: 

Father God help us to look to you for our help in time of need, and for our very lives.  Thank you for your sufficiency for every day’s challenges and opportunities as we believe your Word.  Help us to become like our big brother Christ as people we see have needs that we can minister to.  We thank you every day for calling us to this time and place of fellowship and love.  In Jesus’ name we pray.

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Not Me, but God

*Genesis 41-42

Proverbs 21

Matthew 9

Devotion by Marcia Railton (IN)

Have you ever been stuck in a difficult place? Feeling forgotten? Waiting for justice that doesn’t come?

That’s where Joseph was – again. The favored, pampered son of Jacob had been thrown into a pit by his brothers. Then sold by same said brothers. He becomes a slave in Egypt, far from home. Then falsely accused and thrown into prison. He had received a glimmer of hope of being remembered and saved, but two years later he was still a prisoner. Stuck. Forgotten. Unfair.

And then comes the call. Pharaoh is calling for the prisoner! Quick. Clean-up. Shave. Change clothes. Enter – Joseph.

I wonder if Joseph had played a similar scene in his mind many times over as he was waiting. Did he have dreams of being remembered? Was he still remembering his childhood dreams of his family bowing down to him, and wondering? Was this now finally his long awaited chance to shine? Would he be angry and resentful over the way he had been mistreated again and again? Would he lash out at the world?

Pharaoh explains to Joseph why he was called up out of prison. Can Joseph interpret the dream that no one else can? I love his reply: “So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, ‘It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.'” (Genesis 41:16 NKJV) I don’t hear even a hint of anger, self-righteousness, resentment or giving up. Just humble truth. Not me, but God. Still relying on God. Not me, but God.

God was with him in his father’s house. God was with him in the pit. God was with him in his master’s home. God was with him in the prison. God was with him in the Pharaoh’s palace. God was with Joseph. Joseph was not forgotten. And Joseph did not forget God.

When you are stuck and feeling forgotten. Don’t forget God. It might take some time. Your circumstances might not change how or when you want or expect. You might face the pit or prison or both, and it won’t be fair. But you won’t be alone. It is recorded that just before Joseph was thrown into the pit he was 17 years old. When he stood before Pharaoh he was 30 years old. Those weren’t lost times in between. God was with Joseph. And Joseph did not forget God.

Reflection Questions

  1. What characteristics do you see in Joseph that you would like to see in yourself?
  2. In what difficult times have you experienced God with you?
  3. When and how can you respond, “Not me, but God will…”?

Prayer

Dear Almighty, I thank you for not forgetting me. Thank you for being with me – on what looks like great days and what looks like difficult days. Help me to see You and Your loving care through each and every day. Thank you for using people to do things they could never do without you. Show me what you want me to say and do with Your knowledge, wisdom and words. Give me a faithful, patient, humble, true heart that gives all honor and credit and praise to You.

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Think Again – Do Not Worry

Genesis 25-26

Proverbs 13

Matthew 6

Devotion on Matthew 6 by Marcia Railton (IN)

The Sermon on the Mount continues in Matthew 6 with so much wisdom. At the end of the devotion yesterday, the last question suggested we look for anything useful in this chapter for Thinking Again – a challenge to consider how we can rethink our opinions and thoughts to be more inline with God’s. I found a few…

I should “think again” about my motives in giving, praying and fasting. (Do these – for all the right reasons.)

I should “think again” about the importance of forgiving others. (Do it, or my Heavenly Father will not forgive me of my sins!)

I should “think again” about what I truly value and prioritize. (My worldly stuff – ALL I own or wish I owned – is worthless. How can I focus instead on building up what really matters to God and has eternal value?)

I should “think again” about who or what I am actually serving. (Does my love, loyalty and life – both thoughts and actions- prove that I have made God the Master of my life?)

That thought leads perfectly into the next big “Think Again” – I should “think again” and see that I do not need to waste my life in worry. I love this passage! I need this passage, and just maybe you do, too – at least from time to time.

“Look at the birds of the sky” and “Consider the lilies of the field…” This is such wise advice from Jesus, for anytime, but especially when we are stuck in our worry. Stop looking at yourself and your little world of trouble. Look up. Look out. Watch nature. There are interesting studies on the benefits of being in nature (or even seeing a tree through the window) to lower cortisol (a stress regulating hormone) and depression. Yes, psychologists and scientists are right, nature is good and helpful. But, even better, is knowing and trusting the God who created it. He not only created it, but He continues to care for His creation – including creating and caring for you. That is what God’s Son is telling us in Matthew 6:25-34. Look up. Look out. See God.

What do you see when you see God?

If my God is wimpy, I will have a lot to worry about.

If my God is cold or heartless, I will have a lot to worry about.

If my God is clueless, I will have a lot to worry about.

But that is NOT my God!

My Father knows what I need. My Father cares for me. He values me. He sees me. He is able. He alone can take care of everything I truly need and so much more.

How do you see God? Are you allowing your worry to replace your faith in God?

See Him for who He really is! Seek Him first and replace all those worried thoughts. Think Again – do not worry!

Reflection Questions

  1. If you are battling with worry take a little time and write out Jesus’ words from Matthew 6:25-34. For each sentence also try putting the same thought into your own words. What is Jesus saying to you?
  2. What thoughts does God want you to be thinking? Is your worry replacing your trust in God. What does God want you to replace your worry with? (See Philippians 4:4-9) How can you help yourself more consistently think again?
  3. Tell me about your God. Is He wimpy, cold or clueless? Is He your Master, really and truly? What do you know about Him? Do you trust Him? How will I know what you think about God by watching what you do and think and say?
  4. What will it look like this week for you to “Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33)

PRAYER

Dear God, I praise You for You are God alone. You are the Creator and Sustainer. You are indeed strong and mighty, all-knowing and all-powerful. Yet, You still see and care for me. I thank you for your love and our history together, the way you have cared for me, and my loved ones, and those who came before me over and over – throughout time. Help me to see You clearly, Father, so I do not waste time worrying. May my focus be on You, Your Kingdom, and Your Righteousness. Help me live these words of wisdom from Your Son. In his name I pray to You. Amen.

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Think Again

Genesis 20-22, Proverbs 11, Matthew 5

Devotion by Marcia Railton (IN)

I always ask my family for gift list ideas because I have learned I don’t always do a very good job of reading their minds and choosing that gift that is indeed just what they wanted. Our son came up with a nice gift list this year, including several books he was interested in reading. One particular title really caught my attention: Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant. I have not read the book so I am not recommending it as much as the idea that there is value in “learning to question your opinions”. Sometimes our ideas, thoughts, opinions, and I would add feelings are indeed not based on God’s full truth (which is not mentioned in the book synopsis). We would be wise to be willing to do the hard work of relearning (which in my opinion, not necessarily Mr Grant’s) involves bringing our every opinion, thought, conviction, and feeling more and more into alignment with God’s. This can certainly be a difficult thing to do! I know I often fail at reading the minds of my own human offspring, how much more will I miss the mark in trying to know and imitate the perfect mind and heart of the Almighty Creator and Sustainer?

Knowing that I do miss the mark is perhaps half of the battle. Then I am more willing to humbly accept that I can benefit from looking at it again to see what I missed, what I can learn, what opinion needs to be changed, what feeling softened, what feeling strengthened, what thoughts, opinions and feelings completely thrown out. As it says in our Proverb of the day: “When pride comes, then comes dishonor; But with the humble there is wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2 NASB)

Last year about this time I wrote a devotion titled Family Isn’t Everything on the testing of Abraham from Genesis 22. If I were rewriting it today it would be a little different. I think I did not stress enough the trust that Abraham had in God that made all the difference in his willingness to do the unthinkable that God told him to do. I think Abraham was learning and demonstrating that what he personally thought wasn’t always right but he humbly acted on his trust in God and his belief that he was listening to and obeying the All-knowing, completely wise and loving God of miracles who could show His power and plan in any way He desired. And that, along with his wise desire to put God first, even before his precious, long awaited and much loved son, gave him the ability to rise early in the morning and take the three day journey and travel up the mountain for a sacrifice to God with fire, a knife, wood and no animal, only his son. Don’t you love how re-reading God’s Word leads to seeing new layers and thinking again to grow in our knowledge and understanding of our Great Big God and what pleases Him.

This time around in reading Genesis 20-22 I was also struck by the interchange between God and Abraham when Sarah wants to send away Hagar and Ishmael after Isaac is weaned (one chapter before the almost sacrifice of Isaac). Depending on the version, Abraham is distressed, displeased, upset, worried, troubled, full of sorrow, or grieved at the thought of sending his first son Ishmael away. And most of us would probably say, that makes sense, I would be distressed, too. But I love the part that comes next. God says, “Do not let it be displeasing in your sight…” (Genesis 21:12 NKJV). It is almost like God is telling Abraham – Think Again – I have got this. Don’t worry. Don’t be troubled. You concentrate on what I want you to concentrate on (following Me). You do the most important thing and I will take care of the rest. “Do not let it be displeasing in your sight.” Isn’t that freeing that we get to decide – with God’s wisdom and guidance – what is or isn’t going to be displeasing in our sight. It does indeed take a lot of Thinking Again to adjust not only our opinions but also our attitudes and feelings. When we find ourselves distressed, displeased, upset, worried, troubled, full of sorrow, or grieved perhaps it would be wise of us to ask God if this is a feeling we should hang on to, or if it is best to let go of it.

Speaking of Think Again, I think that is what Jesus was saying over and over again in Matthew 5 in the Sermon on the Mount when he said, “You have heard it said…but I tell you” (5:21, 27, 30, 33, 38, 43). Think Again. You might not know quite as much as you thought you did. Think Again. You do not yet see the whole picture, the full truth, God’s entire plan. Think Again. Your opinion, thoughts and feelings can line up more closely with God’s. Think Again. There is a better way of thinking and doing and feeling than you have done before. Think Again. With humility not pride. Think Again.

Reflection Questions

  1. What percentage of the time do you think you are right? What percentage of the time do you think you are actually right? 🙂 Can you think of a time you “thought again” and became wiser for it?
  2. When do you need to most remember that you do not have the mind of God? How can you remember to be humble?
  3. Why was Jesus saying to not continue doing life/righteousness the old way? Why was it time to think again?
  4. What might God want you to unlearn and relearn? What old thoughts, opinions and even feelings are you holding onto that are not currently helpful and leading you closer and closer to God’s wisdom and heart?

Prayer

Dear God Almighty, We praise you for knowing all things. Help me remember there is so much I do not know, sometimes including what is pleasing to You. May I humble myself, continually seek You and Your way and be willing to do the work of Thinking Again so I come closer and closer to what You want me to be. Direct me in what feelings, what worries, what opinions are good for me to let go of, knowing that You can take care of what I can not, so that I may be focused on doing Your will. Thank you for working with me, one step at a time, and helping me grow.

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Hide and Seek

Genesis 3, Proverbs 3, Matthew 2

Devotion by Aaron Winner (SC)

Our two-year-old’s favorite game is probably hide and seek. She is actually pretty remarkable at staying still and quieting her breaths so she will not be found. The only problem with her strategy is that she always chooses the same hiding spot—the curtains in our master bedroom. For her, the game is not about actually remaining hidden. It would lose its appeal quickly if she stayed concealed too long. Her joy is ultimately to be found and to be reunited with family, “Daddy, you found me!”

In today’s reading, we see God playing the seeker as He looks for His favored creation in the garden. No matter how still Adam and Eve remain, God knows the hiding place. When He asks, “Where are you?”, it is a loaded question from the one who knows us most intimately, both our physical location and hearts. God is not met by the joyful giggles of a toddler, but by the shameful chagrin of sin (Prov. 3:7). Even though God knew where He would find them and did not withhold discipline (Prov. 3:12), by His infinite grace, He still searched for them.

That same grace carries forward into the arrival of the Son of Man. God hung a star in the east to announce the birth of Jesus Christ. He is the hope first spoken in Genesis, the One who would crush the head of the serpent (Gen 3:15). Though the distance was far, men who were seeking found a child, guided by both the heavens and the Word of God (Matt. 2:6). God makes His mercies known.

And so, when we are searching, we are always led to the same place. If we are looking for rest, we look to Jesus. If we are looking for meaning, we look to Jesus. If we are looking for hope, we look to Jesus. Throughout the Old Testament, again and again, God “hides” His promise of His Son in plain sight some 300 times, all pointing toward the life, death, resurrection, and return of Jesus Christ, who conquers sin once and for all.

So who are we fooling if we think we can remain hidden among the foliage and unseen by God? If we feel distant from him, the heavens and His word are still declaring we need only turn to the same place where our faith begins, Jesus Christ. Unchanged is the place where grace and hope begin.

Let us pray this together:

Abba Father, I have been desperately hoping you would find me. I will trust in You with all of my heart. I won’t lean on my understanding but Yours. Give me correction along with your grace that is greater still. In all Your ways, let me submit to You, for I know You will make my path straight. Lead me to the advent of Christ, to be found among the faithful who seek You. In your name of your Son, whose resurrection gives us hope. Amen

Reflection Questions

  1. It is good for us to remember we do not have the mind of God – but what tone of voice do you imagine God used when asking, “Where are you?” Why might He have started with a question, and this specific question? What tone of voice might He have used when giving correction and consequences?
  2. How are you like Adam? How are you like Eve? How did God show grace and correction with consequences to Adam and Eve? How have you experienced both grace and correction with consequences from God? What is the purpose of each?
  3. Adam and Eve obviously didn’t have Proverbs 3:5-7 on their refrigerator. How might it have helped them to know these verses of wisdom? How can you better live out Proverbs 3:5-7? When do you most need to hear these verses? How can you memorize them and/or plaster them in your life so they will be part of your first line of defense against temptation so you can spend less time hiding from God.
  4. From today’s readings, what are some beautiful things about God’s plan of salvation through His Son Jesus?
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